It’s the second release to be spawned from the partnership between Mr Bongo Recordings and the charity Bottletop (more on them later). If the words ‘charity record’ have you running in fear pursued by images of Peter Kay miming to ‘Is this the way to Amarillo?’ or Dizzee Rascal rapping to ‘Do they know it;s Christmas?’, rest assured that’s not Mr Bongo’s style.

CD1 ‘The Originals’ is made up of some classic Brazilian cuts. Representing the old school are the likes of Tenorio Jr and Os Novos Crioulos while more contemporary sounds are provided by Bazeado and Mr Hermano. As the title suggests, CD2 ‘The Remixes’, is where things get all mixed up; Fatboy Slim, Bonobo, Get Cape Wear Cape, Adam Freeland and Jazzanova have all been brought on board to help and none of the artists were paid for their contributions.

The compilation manages to cover much of Brazil’s musical landscape from samba to funk Carioca via bossa, lounge and jazz — the unifying element being Brazilian cool. Os Novos Crioulos’ ‘Mar Afunda,’ with its funky bassline and bouncing rhythm, is the clear stand out track from the first CD. Gilles Peterson fans will recognise the infectious piano riffs on Tenorio Jr’s ‘Nebulosa’ while funkeiros will be pleased by the inclusion of Denise Tigrona’s ‘Injecão’.

On the remix CD it’s hats off to Nu-Tone for their d’n’b mix of ‘Nebulosa’ and to MJ Cole for his spaced out take on Bazeados’ ‘Urubu no Telhado’. Also on the d’n’b tip is the Bungle mix of ‘Segunda Feira’ while Adam Freeland and Stereotyp offer a dark and dirty reworking of ‘Injecão’ — most of the funk has been stripped out yet it seems to work just the same.

Elsewhere the carnival spirit is in full flow on Yamo Who’s re-edit of ‘Cosinha II’ (Dom Um Romão) and the Get Cape Wear Cape mix of ‘É Isso Ai’ (Paula Lima) adds extra depth to the track.

Also included is a slow and sexy mix of ‘Take it Easy Brother Charlie’ (Funk ft, Tina Grace’ and a bonus Beverly Knight track ‘Salvador’.

Bottletop is a UK charity that raises money for youth sexual health education worldwide. They raise money through fashion and music, and focus on small, dynamic health initiatives. Proceeds from this release will go primarily towards helping the street kids of Brazil’s impoverished North-East.

Sound Affects Brazil is released through Mr Bongo recordings on October 29th.

Links:
www.bottletop.com
www.mrbongo.com